Why do you seek a position on the ENA Board of Directors?
I am seeking an Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) board position to give back to the organization that has supported me throughout numerous years of my nursing career.
Membership in the ENA has given me access to numerous learning, teaching and scholarship activities over the years. I completed my Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification and instructor status in the late 1990’s. I have been involved in teaching for over 25 years bringing essential trauma education to many nurses in the rural & urban areas of Indiana and the surrounding states. I am currently faculty for TNCC and an instructor for ENPC. I have participated in many activities of the organization at the local, state and national levels.
Over the years my membership in the ENA has given me insight into the organization's leadership. I have attended many General Assembly sessions and have participated in the governance of the organization. The structure and function of the organization allows all members to participate in the mission and vision of the organization. I am qualified and confident that I can help to move the organization forward.
How does your academic, professional background and experience within ENA make you a qualified Board candidate?
My association with the ENA started in 1995 when I became a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) and quickly followed with TNCC verification. In a 2011 discussion with then President Ann Marie Papa at a state council meeting, I advocated for myself and was appointed to a National committee reviewing the Course on Advanced Trauma Nursing. The experience taught me that I did have a voice in the organization and my contributions are valued. I have completed tenure twice on the Position Statement Committee (PSC) and have researched, reviewed, and authored evidence based documents to guide the emergency nursing profession. Currently, I am on the Justice Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) advisory council. The council is ever evolving and a space where opinions and ideas are valued.
I am an experienced emergency department staff nurse, nurse manager, educator and nurse practitioner. I have completed my Doctorate of Nursing Practice in leadership. As I have grown professionally the ENA has been there to support me professionally and financially. I am hopeful, my education and diverse experiences in ENA will guide my critical thinking when making decisions on the board.
Outline the specific skills you bring, or contributions you hope to make to the ENA Board of Directors.
I believe the ENA Board of directors is a diverse group of individuals each bringing an experiential, educational and professional lens to the leadership table. I possess specific skills related to communication style, critical thinking ability and being a content expert in emergency nursing.
During my application preparation, I spoke with past ENA president Ron Kraus to discuss the time commitment concerning board of director service. Ron identified the prep time for each board meeting was sometimes between 8-10 hours. He emphasized the difficulty is not just reading to approve the initiatives of the ENA, but seeking to understand and make sure the content aligns with the mission, vision and values of the organization. My experience in academia as an Assistant Professor of Nursing, PSC member and Journal of Emergency Nursing Reviewer provide evidence of my attention to detail and my ability to synthesize complex information.
Energy and enthusiasm for the profession can lead to enhanced participation. I believe my skill set which includes practical, yet creative and visionary thinking will enhance and elevate the activities of the ENA board.
Provide a narrative that exemplifies how you demonstrate the Board competencies.
During my participation on the Position Statement Committee (PSC) in 2022, I was assigned to update and review the Cultural Diversity and Gender Inclusivity Position Statement. After PSC approval, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee made final recommendations. The review from the committee indicated the focus, terminology and references were outdated and the position statement needed to be retired. The DEI committee had previously made this recommendation, but the comments did not reach the members of the PSC. I was invited to a meeting with the chairs of both committees and the ENA staff. I had spent a great deal of time updating the position statement. The level of open honest dialogue between the chairs of the committee was exemplary. My work was acknowledged and supported. All members of the dialogue including myself exhibited the highest level of professionalism and communication. Seeking to understand the changes taking place societally as outlined by the chairs of the DEI committee was enlightening. In collaboration, we executed the strategic vision of the ENA. Both chairs, myself and another member of the position statement committee began dialogue and formulation of the Equitable Care in the Emergency Care Setting position statement.
To reach Cheryl, contact her at cherylriwitis@gmail.com.